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What does the Bible say about lending?

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The Bible commends generous, compassionate lending that seeks a neighbor’s good rather than personal gain, while condemning exploitative interest and debt oppression. Proverbs 19:17 teaches that kindness to the poor is lending to the Lord, who repays such mercy. Jesus calls His disciples to give and lend freely, without calculating return, reflecting the Father’s gracious character (Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:34-35). Scripture also praises those who deal generously and lend (Psalms 37:26; 112:5), yet warns that borrowing can bring bondage and that unjust profit from interest invites God’s judgment (Proverbs 22:7; 28:8; Ezekiel 18:13). Christians should therefore practice wise stewardship, mercy, and integrity, trusting God rather than using another’s need for advantage.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 19:17

    He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; He will reward him.

  • Luke 6:35

    But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.

  • Matthew 5:42

    Give to him who asks you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you.

  • Luke 6:34

    If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much.

  • Psalms 112:5

    It is well with the man who deals graciously and lends. He will maintain his cause in judgment.

  • Proverbs 22:7

    The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.

  • Psalms 37:26

    All day long he deals graciously, and lends. His seed is blessed.

  • Proverbs 28:8

    He who increases his wealth by excessive interest Gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.

  • Ezekiel 18:13

    has given forth on interest, and has taken increase; shall he then live? he shall not live: he has done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be on him.

  • Isaiah 24:2

    It shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the creditor, so with the debtor; as with the taker of interest, so with the giver of interest to him.

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